Tucked away in a tranquil inlet of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary lies a charming village that’s earned recognition as one of Britain’s « poshest villages ». South Pool in Devon boasts quintessentially English chocolate-box cottages, adorned with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of verdant rolling countryside.
This quiet settlement is inhabited by roughly 150 people, ensuring tranquillity and serenity are in plentiful supply. Yet the typical cost of a home in this compact village hovers around £410,000, though it often reaches £1 million, based on Zoopla sales data. The village also secured its place among Britain’s 48 « poshest villages » in a Telegraph feature – and earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2022 list of the UK’s 20 most stunning villages.
Despite its modest size, the village boasts a rich heritage, with its enduring architecture and meandering pathways that « would befit any chocolate box or postcard », as described by Toad Hall Cottages, a local holiday rental company. They’ve also characterised the settlement as among the area’s « hidden gems ».
The village features a Grade-I listed church, believed to originate from 1318, positioned at the settlement’s highest elevation. There’s also the Millbrook Inn, a celebrated gastropub accessible on foot, by vehicle and, distinctively, by watercraft.
Positioned at the junction of land and water, perched atop a tidal creek along the Salcombe estuary, the Millbrook Inn bills itself as a « hidden haven » where visitors arriving by canoe, boat, and even paddleboard can stop off for a pint of locally brewed ale or a freshly prepared pub favourite.
The picturesque English countryside provides the backdrop for this charming village, with rolling fields and lush greenery stretching to the horizon. The panoramic views are especially striking on a summer’s afternoon when sunlight bathes the nearby hills.
With the tranquil backwaters of the South Hams on the doorstep, aquatic pursuits prove popular in this corner of Devon, from guided canoe expeditions to stand-up paddleboarding sessions. The village also offers convenient access to nearby coastal spots, such as Lancombe Beach, South Sands Beach and Salcombe North Sands.
Rural life in this sought-after location commands a premium when buying a home in the vicinity, with the equally pricey Devon town of Salcombe neighbouring South Pool.
Several of the properties in these locations, once family homes not so long ago, are now listed as « secret getaways » on short lettings sites such as Airbnb.
